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Richard Fourie, convinced a year in Hong Kong has made him a better rider, aims to prove his point by becoming South Africa’s champion jockey this season.

“I’m definitely going for the championship this time,” he declared.

“If that means going to Kimberley on Mondays and riding seven days a week, then that’s what I will do. I’m fully prepared to take the bull by the horns.”

Fourie, 27, had already ridden nearly 700 winners including six G1s, when he left South Africa last year for Hong Kong.

Fourie quickly made his mark to the extent that by the end of the season only 13-times champion Doug Whyte and Zac Purton had more rides.

The likes of Tony Millard, David Ferraris and Derek Cruz were quick to recognise his talent as he finished with 34 winners to put him in the top ten on the premiership.

“I was in demand because I was riding at 52kg whereas the majority of the jockeys there could only ride at 54kg,” Fourie said.

“It was challenging for me because 52kg is outside my comfort zone and I had to diet.”

He looked set for a lengthy stay in Hong Kong but stunned the local media when he announced he was returning home, reports suggesting because Justin Snaith had offered him a first jockey job with his stable that could virtually guarantee him the championship.

“Justin had no influence on the decision to come back. That was mine alone and I’ve come back because of my family,” Fourie said.

“My two young daughters couldn’t quite acclimatise to Hong Kong, it was tough on them and I could see the strain.”

Snaith, who has one of the largest strings in South Africa, confirmed that Fourie will be his number one this term.

He will back up the appointment with Muzi Yeni and Felix Coetzee, sidelined since his hip operation in March.

“Felix just wants to make sure that he is comfortable with everything before he returns while there is a good chance that Muzi will relocate to Cape Town,” Snaith said.

Fourie is delighted to be back with the stable that has provided him with many winners but also says he will take whatever opportunities come his way.

“I have had a good relationship with the Snaiths for years. I know we had our differences but I was immature at that stage and I feel that I am now more of a businessman,” he said.

“I can ride for whoever asks me. I am focusing on Cape Town and Port Elizabeth but I will go anywhere if the right stable asks me and if I get the right support.

“I will generally stick to 53kg but I will get down to 52kg if I need to for the big ones or for a nice up-and-coming horse.”